What are the reasons I shouldn't get an 840?
Is 75000 miles a problem on a 1997?
What usually goes wrong with this model?

TIA
Pat

A 1997 has the Alusil motor so the DREADED V8 problem does not apply.

I test drove two 850's before I bought my 840. The theatrics from the V12 at full throttle were impressive to say the least!!

However the performance of the stock geared one was about the same as my Euro chipped 740. The re-geared one was "Quicker" but had other serious issues.

The Purists (all of whom have V12's) will tell you that you have to have 12 to be a man!

I refined my search to a silver 840 after much debate and after finding and buying "The One" I was searching for I couldn't be happier.

I had to change chips to get it to be as quick as my 740. That is more difficult with a 97 than with the earlier pre 1/95 builds but is still Doable-Conforti does it.

The 8's are considered to be high maintenance by some and probably really are like any car as it ages.

Parts are available from multiple sources.
My 840 has 128,000 miles and purrs like a very large kitten!!

Of coure I am prejudiced and quite pleased with just 8 rather than 12.

These were designed to be Autobahn cruisers, not true sports cars or drag-racers.

So Please note though that if you expect it to handle like it looks you are going to have to spend quite a few dollars. Some have taken theirs to the point of being able to flog M3's and Porches wherever they find them. Spendy though!

Sorry I couldn't find reasons NOT TO BUY but I am prejudiced too!!

Terry

I, of course, do not really want reasons not to buy.
I don't really drive "sports car style" although I do like speed.

I do like comfort and style. I'm sure I would love the 840.
I haven't driven one but plan to next week.

Thanks, Pat

It feels like a 3 with a low roof inside so if you are over 6' put the seat all the way down and back with enough recline to put the seat back touching the back seat. BEFORE YOU GET IN!

It makes a better first impression that way than following someone who is 5'4" like my wife.

There is a very knowledgeable and even chatty group on one of the other forums that I probably shouldn't mention here.
This place is really slow.

Terry

My wife is even shorter.

I'm mostly worried about the cost of mainenance.

It is definitely more costly to maintain than an American car!!

Some things seem normally priced and then the next part is a small fortune!

If you do most of your own work the costs are not exorbitant for most work.

If you have to go to the Dealer you will find out why many call them the Stealers. Hourly labor and part prices there are the same as if you were driving a New car. there is only a 10% discount on parts for BMWCCA membership.

But after you fall in love.............

My wife now commutes in the 7 and loves it.

Terry

Not much of a comparison but probably also more than an american car. The maintenance coverage won't cover inspection2 and the warrenty will be up next year.

My wife's Chevy Trailblazer requires almost nothing but oil changes and such.

I'll do most of the work. I have experience in that area. But not in BMWs yet.

First Item--Get the Bently manual for the e32 7 series.
It misses a few things but there is a lot of similarity between the e32 7's and the e31 8's. Differences are apparent also.

Second find a copy of the BMW service CD's ETK and TIS at a minimum--can find them at relatively low prices on eBay.
I think there are 5 cd's in the whole set but the first two cover all of the parts and mechanical service bulletins.

Find all of the 8 series boards that you can and lurk and ask questions as they come up. This board is essentially dead as far as the 8 series is concerned.

Set up a section in your bookmarks and enter every 7 and 8 "how to" page you see referenced.

Do the same with any lists of part suppliers that pop up, great references and a really wide range of prices on the same part.

Remember that Black is never clean and Red draws a lot of attention-not all welcome!


If it says BMW it will be more expensive than if it says Chevrolet.

Just like the Chevy part with Caddilac printed on the parts bag is more expensive too.

I take it there's no Bentley manual for the 8 series.

Someone said they spent $2000 a year on maintaining their 8 series, Don't know if that was an 840 or 850.

Does that sound right?

Pat

I think that that seems high. I think that it depends on what level of Perfection you demand.

Of course there is the guy on roadfly's 8 forum that just bought an 850 and it has overheated everytime he drives it. At 11 days "old" it has water in the oil and definitely has a blown headgasket. He will forever have a $4000 bias anytime the subject comes up.

Have the car inspected, ask specific questions of the person doing the inspecting about the major areas like front and rear suspension, motor leaks etc.

Make sure you like the car enough to put up with surprises without getting angry at the car.

If you don't like it that well it will be a pain in the butt!

You would have to pry the keys to either of mine out of my cold dead fingers so I assume that I am prejudiced.

My 740 has cost well under $1000 for a year and a half. My 840 will cost at least $500 to $1000 this year just in making things right. Most of those things I knew I would have to fix when I bought the 840.
Of course if I had someone else doing these things then $2000 per year would be reasonable. So yes, budget $2000.

There is no Bentley for the 8.

If you buy--Enjoy

I know this is a difficult question but what do you think?

If I buy a 840Ci with 73000 miles on it but the dealer offers a warranty should I be OK not planning for high maintenance during the covered period?

Tahnks, Pat

Read the warranty coverage VERY carefully. Is it a BMW dealer offering extended factory warrant?

Or an aftermarket warranty?

Drive over a couple of potholes or over curb bumps at about 10 mph-if it clunks the front end will need parts--make sure it is covered.

If there is any grumbling at low speed or vibration on hard acceleration make sure it is covered.

Check the rotors and pads--if you need to change them, the rotors need to be replaced every time you do pads.

The transmission needs to be smooth with no hesatation going into reverse or drive.

If you see any hint of these, Spend the cash to have someone else inspect the car and make sure that everything is written in the coverage of the warranty.

Read the exceptions very carefully if it is an aftermarket warranty!! I saw one where they excepted out amost everything the said they covered in the front Everything on the car was covered unless it had ever been driven! Then it was all wear and tear and not covered.

If you aren't sure what it should drive like, go find a couple of e32 740's ('93 or '94) to drive. The sensations, noises and performance are all very similar. Your are just sitting up straighter.

Luck
Terry